Imipramine overdose

Also known as: Tofranil overdose and Janimine overdose

Definition

Imipramine is a prescription medicine used to treat depression. Imipramine overdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine. This can be by accident or on purpose.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual overdose. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. If you or someone you are with overdoses, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Poisonous Ingredient

Imipramine can be harmful in large amounts.

Where Found

Imipramine is sold under many brand names. Some of these are:

Antideprin

Berkomine

Janimine

Norpramin

Tipramine

Tofranil

Medicines with other names may also contain imipramine.

Symptoms

Below are symptoms of an imipramine overdose in different parts of the body.

Poison Control

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

Take the container to the hospital with you, if possible.

The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated.

The person may receive:

Activated charcoal

Blood and urine tests

Breathing support, including a tube through the mouth into the lungs and a breathing machine (ventilator)

Chest x-ray

EKG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)

Fluids through a vein (by IV)

Laxative

Medicines to treat symptoms (including one to reverse the effects of the imipramine)

Tube through the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)

Outlook (Prognosis)

An imipramine overdose can be very serious. Heart rhythm disturbances can be fatal.

People who overdose on this drug are almost always admitted to the hospital. The faster they get medical help, the better the chance of recovery. Complications such as pneumonia, muscle damage from lying on a hard surface for a prolonged period of time, or brain damage from lack of oxygen may result in permanent disability. Death can occur.

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